Learn what three women did to achieve their weight-loss goals

Slimdown Success

Slimdown Success

In my work for the Today Show, I meet dozens of inspiring women and men who have battled (and conquered!) obesity. That's why I started a segment called the Joy Fit Club, which features people who have lost 100 pounds or more using their own strategies—no pills, potions or surgery. Each of them would say, "If I can do it, anybody can." Three Joy Fit superstars—Stacy Allendorf, Rosie Coates and Cari Hartman—have had incredible journeys. Use their insights and draw strength from their stories to reach your own goals.

Stacy Allendorf, Columbia, S.C.

Stacy Allendorf, Columbia, S.C.

As a single mom and a devoted teacher, Stacy spent her life taking care of others—and eating heavy cafeteria food and homemade baked goods from her students' parents. In 2001, Stacy's father died from heart disease, so she began to rethink her habits. Four years later, when she had to ask for a seat belt extender on a plane ride, Stacy decided it was finally time to take action and change her lifestyle. She started by waking up at 4 A.M. every day to work out for 5 minutes on a glider machine. After a month she was exercising 30 minutes every other day. In addition to exercise, she began changing her diet by asking herself one simple question: What foods would be easiest for me to do without? She eliminated some fried foods and cut out excess fat, like mayonnaise. Two years later, she reached her goal weight. "I still have my favorites, only healthier. I can enjoy eating and enjoy life," she says.